Bettering life for community, stemming gun violence among top priorities

HARRISBURG, Jan. 1 – Vowing to continue fighting for the interests of Pennsylvania’s working families, state Rep. Ed Gainey, D-Allegheny, was sworn into office today to serve his fourth term representing the 24th Legislative District.

“I’m excited to start this new term, and like always, my inspiration comes from serving my district and the hardworking people who live here," Gainey said. “They rise to any challenge to support their families and give our children a rightful head start. They are who make our community what it is, and they deserve every opportunity the commonwealth has to offer.

“A special priority of mine is gun violence. The tragic events that happened in our streets, churches, synagogues and schools should never happen. And at no time should a family have to bury a relative killed by senseless gun violence. I’m committed to sponsoring and supporting commonsense gun legislation.”

Gainey noted that education is another top priority.

“The greatest investment the state of Pennsylvania can make is in the education of our children. The data is clear that our children benefit when they can attend Pre-K and Head Start schools. We must continue to increase funding for Pre-K and Head Start, as well as advocate for universal Pre-K. The more prepared our children are, the better our future looks.”

Gainey vowed to continue pursuing his other legislative priorities in the upcoming session. He said he will work to promote his bill to increase accountability of state lawmakers by requiring them to submit to the same random drug-testing imposed on other Pennsylvania workers. He pledged to continue fighting to end the opioid and heroin addiction crises that plague so many residents. And he said he will work toward decriminalization and legalization of cannabis so that all adults – not just those suffering from specific medical conditions – can receive the drug’s benefits. In addition, Gainey said he will continue working to improve police-community relations and restore trust between residents and law enforcement.

As he pursues those aims, Gainey said he will continue his work as co-chairman of the PA HOPE Caucus and as a member of the PA SAFE Caucus, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and a number of other caucuses and committees. His priorities are in line with the Plan for PA, which puts people first – above politics and special interests – to ensure good jobs, affordable health care, quality schools, and a fair economy for Pennsylvania’s working families.

The 24th Legislative District includes part of Allegheny County, including part of Pittsburgh and the borough of Wilkinsburg. Today’s swearing-in ceremony in the House chamber marked the official start of the 2019-20 legislative session – the 203rd in the legislature’s history. The state constitution mandates that the legislature convene at noon on the first Tuesday in January.